US-based Boholano lawyer says it’s unflattering for Marcoleta to bring office in debate
US-based Boholano lawyer Glen Hubahib on Feb. 16, 2026 said while a debate is welcome, it may be unflattering for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to be drafting his office to a debate.
Hubahid gave his two-cents worth in an engagement with Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta during his guesting at the open forum program over dyTR..
This comes at the heels of the debate between Marcoleta and retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio centering on the legal status of the West Philippine Sea.
Carpio reportedly accepted the challenge for a debate.
Hubahib said Marcoleta may opt to deliver a privilege speech and it is unflattering for a sitting senator to engage in debates against a regular citizen and at the same drag his office in the event.
Hubahib said it would be a welcome treat for the two persons to engage in a friendly debate but advice has it that Marcoleta, being a sitting senator, should avoid confrontations with ordinary citizens such as Carpio.
Marcolate can easily explain his side by delivering a privilege speech.
Hubahib said the common perception of ordinary people is that senators are adversarial and they look for debates as a form of engagement.
Some would bring their office outside the halls of the Senate.
Majority of senators relish the opportunity to engage in a debate outside the Senate and less engagements happen at the plenary, he said.
Debates at the plenary bring to fore the senators’ ability to argue, he added.
U.S. -based Boholano lawyer mentions Marcoleta’s debate approach
In the US, anomalies and other allegations of corruption often see justice promptly, said Atty. Gle Hubahib.
This is in contrast to the Philippines where the wheels of justice move slowly.
He said in the U S., the Department of Justice finds a way to file appropriate charges against suspects being accused of corruption – right away.
Members of political parties who are involved in allegations of corruption may end up resigning or even expelled from the political party.
In the Philippines, there are two kinds of justice, one justice is for the poor and the other kind is justice for the rich.
Often, poor people are unable to get justice and this may lead some to remain silent, he said.
He added that the majority of the people in the Philippines are silent but they are sad on what is happening in the country.
Oftentimes, these people are afraid to speak up as they may not have the resources to protect themselves in legal battles.
He said Filipino leaders often would look after their own interests as he has yet to see a leader in the Philippines that went to great lengths to go against the corruption scandals.
Ironically, he said, those who end up in jail are those no longer in power and the sitting officials remain free and it takes a while for the sitting officials to be facing charges and sent to jail.
He is not seeing a unifying leader that demands accountability on what happened in the flood control mess.
He added that there are times when being a politician is a form of livelihood
so that when they return to private life they find it difficult to look for jobs
or to start a new business.
He also said that there are really efforts exerted by some politicians
to perpetuate themselves in power.
On police brutality, Hubahib said that this is not going anywhere.
It is human nature to engage in brutal actions at the height of one’s rage.
There are times that at the height of anger, some people lose control that may result to and overkill situation.
Bohol fish, seafood prices unlikely to drop soon
It is nearly impossible for fish prices in Bohol to drop, at least in the short-term, according to Quirog.
She said cold weather results in fish not breeding as much and the situation is that there is a La Niña phenomenon prevailing.
The situation has been impacting the fish supply both in marine and inland fish catches.
The cold environment makes it hard for them to supply more materials for those engaging in aquaculture.
This is not isolated in Bohol and this is also happening in other places as well, she explained.
She said during the Ubi Festival, that the ubi growers cooperated when asked to reduce the prices of the crop from P120 to P90 for ubi kinampay and P80 for other varieties such as Baligonhon.
She said ubi in the open market may reach P150 and her office has an ubi buy-back program and those bought by the government are returned to growers as planting materials.
She said most of the kinampay supply sold at the Ubi festival was repurposed for replanting, she explained.
She also said that ubi supply in Bohol has not expanded and the crop is susceptible to diseases.
The Bugas Bol-anon is well-milled rice and has no additives, she said.
She said there is a change in the strategy in the acquisition of seeds in the past before the government acquired seeds there was a need for bidding.
This type of procurement takes time and now the seeds are being included in the buy-back program, she said.
Farmers who got registered seeds some of them became seed growers and the government buys their production and the seeds are being distributed to other farmers.
Coconut garden in Dimiao
She said the Dimiao facility is the Provincial Coconut Seed Garden, which is contained in an area of 20 hectares.
The garden is in partnership with the local government unit of Dimiao and the Philippine Coconut Authority.
She said four million seedlings are needed to be supplied to farmers as most of the supply is imported from outside Bohol.
The seedlings are meant to replace the coconut trees felled during strong storms such as typhoon Odette.
She said instead of relying on seeds coming from other places, her office decided to create a source of seeds.
Tagbilaran man arrested for alleged drug trade
Tagbilaran police arrested a man for alleged drug trade following a buy-bust operation in barangay Bool on Feb. 13, 2026.
The suspect is known as alias “Dewende”, 32, a native of Misamis Oriental and resides in barangay Cogon.
Seized from Dewende were packets of alleged shabu weighing five grams valued at P34,000.
The suspect now faces charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, a woman died following an accident in Loay on Feb. 15, 2026, as the tricycle she was on board collided with a car.
The woman was with her husband and the husband was the one who was driving the tricycle that collided with the car.
The couple came from the market and were on their way home to Lila.
Based on the initial investigation, the tricycle was cruising along when a car made an overtaking maneuver and then went to the opposite lane and then collided with the oncoming tricycle where the two persons were on board.
The victims were rushed to the hospital but unfortunately the wife died.
The husband sustained injuries as a result of the accident.
Tourism in Bohol remains expensive says columnist
Bohol Tribune columnist Donald Sevilla said tourism in Bohol is pricey and could pose a problem.
He was guest on Feb. 19, 2026 at the Newsmakers radio program hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and one of the topics discussed was regarding issues on Bohol tourism.
He said plenty of tourists who visited Bohol testify that Bohol is an expensive place for tourists.
He said the problem is not isolated in Bohol as the Philippines is pricey compared to other destinations, he said and for this reason, the Philippines is lagging behind Vietnam, Thailand and even Malaysia tor tourist arrivals.
He also chided the expensive air fare from Bohol to Manila and back.
Everyone needs to help in solving the problems of high tourism costs, Sevilla quipped.
He said authorities need to fill the shoes of a tourist and find out why tourists will keep on returning to Bohol or why tourists fail to return to Bohol.
Often, tourists don’t have enough reasons to return to Bohol following a visit, Sevilla added..
Sevilla also questioned the data showing 1.4 million tourists who came to bohol in Bohol in 2025 – an increase compared to the previous year.
There are also figures rolled out by the national government indicating that in 2025 the country had 6.9 million tourists and 5.9 million are foreigners and half a million are overseas Filipino workers.
He said a closer look at the data, compared to the local data presented, is surprising as 1.4 million is 21 percent of the total national data.
He added that considering Bohol is just one of the many areas that the country has to offer, he asks: “Are we implying to cornering 21 percent of all tourists?”
What makes the situation more questionable is the fact that there was a temporary closure of the whale watching activity which could have affected the arrival of tourists in the province.
He said that if 1.4 million tourists came to Bohol, it translates to 3, 800 visitors per day. But with this number, did we feel the congestion caused by the tourists?
Sevilla also said that at the end of the day, there is a need to keep the tourism industry sustainable by being grounded.
He said there is a need to be realistic and see the things and situations on the ground and address these at the core in order to explain explain the decline in tourism arrivals.
Sevilla said
some locals feel being discriminated against when availing themselves of the services of high-end resorts and establishments. There are Boholanos, he added, who feel as if they are second-class citizens in their own backyard.
Sevilla also said that another bane in tourism is that locals are affected by high-prices.
Moreover, he said that a negative factor for tourism is when a tourist visiting a place feels being scammed.
Tourists may feel scammed because they end up paying more for fare or other services and end up knowing that the real price is cheaper than what the tourists have paid.
Tourist scams happen everywhere not only in Bohol, he said.
However, to make the tourism industry sustainable, there is a need to approach the situation with a broader mindset.
Protecting the tourism image by not telling the truth, eventually hurts the industry in the long run, he said.
Negative image painted
Sevilla said that there is no need for media to expose the negative side of tourism as online fora is littered with negative opinions that may cast a bad light on the tourism industry.
On transportatio, Sevilla said there is a need to educate and discipline the tourists especially those who choose to rent local motorcycles and drive themselves.
He said we cannot wait for many accidents to happen before taking action.
In politics, Sevilla said the declaration of Vice President Sara Duterte to run for president in 2028 is strategic.
As the impeachment against Duterte is emerging, and considering having a lame duck president, the congressmen will now have second thoughts to support the impeachment given the fact that Duterte is leading in pre-election surveys.
He said Filipino politicians are not normal and they often look for their own interests.
He said there is a need to understand the psyche of Filipinos and as a people we are sentimental, emotional, etc. Considering the health situation of former President Duterte, whatever happens to him will tell the voters to give their sympathy votes to
VP Sara.
The sympathy votes situation, was what actually happened during the time of President Noynoy Aquino and former Vice President Leni Robredo who were elected due to sympathy votes.
Kagawad vows to pursue case vs. police officers
Barangay Ewon, Sevilla kagawad Eric Gumanoy said that there is no turning back as far as his going after the Sevilla police officers who allegedly abused him, is concerned.
He said that he is determined to file charges against the police officers who allegedly committed abuse.
He claims that aside from having been allegedly mauled, the police officers reportedly used a baseball bat to bludgeon his body.
Gumanoy claimed the police officers were under the influence of liquor at the time of the incident where he was arrested and handcuffed on Feb. 10, 2026.
A CCTV footage serves as a prime piece of evidence regarding the incident.
The Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) is first to lead the investigation on the alleged abuse committed by Sevilla police.
It has been alleged that police officers allegedly mauled a kagawad of barangay Ewon.
Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) spokesman Maj. Rey Olar said the alleged victim already coordinated with the PIAS.
Gumanoy already coordinated with the PIAS and hopes the investigation moves along regarding the allegations of police abuse.
PIAS is set to conduct an in-depth and independent investigation into the allegations against personnel of Sevilla police involved in the controversial incident.
Olar has appealed to the public if there are incidents of police abuse to file complaints not just with the PIAS, as they can also file charges before the National Police Commission or even the Ombudsman.
Meanwhile, Olar said that Sevilla police conducted an anti-illegal drug operation on Feb. 10, 2026, against the said kagawad and it is expected the Sevilla police are releasing their side of the story.
BPPO said the investigation will be fair to determine the facts of the case.
LTFRB brings services closer to Boholanos with mobile office launch
The mobile office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) officially started on Feb. 13, 2026, at the Capitol.
The LTFRB is conducting a weekly mobile franchising operation to make the agency’s services closer to Boholanos.
This means Boholanos who need to transact services in relation to transport regulation can now do so more conveniently, making it easier for local transport operators and drivers.
The mobile office is held every Friday at the Ground Floor Lobby of the New Capitol in barangay Cogon.
The said activity is in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bohol.
The initiative was first introduced by LTFRB Central Visayas officer-in-charge Eugenio Ibo Jr. during a courtesy visit to Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado.
Aumentado offered a space inside the Capitol for the mobile office of the LTFRB service desk every Friday.
The area has provisions for the comfort of transport stakeholders.
Capitol personnel are also on hand to help expedite the processes and transactions.
It is hoped that with the mobile office, Bohol transport stakeholders may no longer need to travel a lot to process transactions with the agency.
In the past, transport stakeholders had to travel to Cebu City for transport regulation transactions.
BPPO probes alleged failed arrest of an LGBTQ member in Lila
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has launched an investigation on the alleged failed arrest of an LGBTQ member in Lila.
Allegedly, three police officers tried to arrest the LGBTQ member.
Provincial director Col. Patricio Degay Jr. ordered an investigation into the alleged incident in Lila.
The persons who tried to accost the LGBTQ member identified themselves as police officers but reportedly they were not in uniform when the incident happened.
Maj. Rey Olar, BPPO spokesman, said the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Board (PIDMB) will conduct a comprehensive investigation including an inspection of the area where the incident happened and to solicit testimonies from witnesses.
The incident was exposed as a video of what happened and said video went viral on social media.
The incident is already recorded in the blotter of the Lila police station.
The BPPO is waiting for the conclusion of the PIDMB investigation to determine what really happened and to determine whether there is any administrative or criminal liability that is going to be filed.
It was reported that the incident happened back on Feb. 3, 2026, where three unidentified men tried to forcibly take the KG TQ member into custody from the victim’s home.
The men claimed that they possessed a warrant of arrest but failed to show it to the victim.
The victim refused the invitation of the suspects and the latter exerted force not to be taken into custody
but failed.
The video also showed bodily harm inflicted on the LGBTQ member who was allegedly forced to board a vehicle.
Aside from the failed alleged kidnapping, the suspects also took the victim’s bag containing valuables and cash.
P8.8m worth of alleged shabu seized in panglao buy-bust operation
A staggering P8.8 million worth of alleged shabu was seized in Panglao following a buy-bust operation on Feb. 17, 2026.
Also taken were a firearm and rounds of ammunition following the operation.
As a result, two high-value individuals were arrested by elements of Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) at barangay Libaong as the operation was the result of the combined efforts of the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Panglao police station.
Arrested were Junne Peme, 41, of Taloto and Levi Fronteras, 48, from barangay Sta. Cruz, Calape.
Taken from the suspects were packets of alleged shabu approximately weighing 1,296.4 grams and worth P8,815,520.
The police recovered a 9 mm caliber pistol, which is unlicensed and a magazine and five rounds of live ammunition.
The police were also able to recover the buy-bust money including the fake ones used in the said operation.
The alleged shabu were contained in packets and found in suspects’ possession,
a durian
tea bag and spotting Chinese characters and a paper bag with Chinese characters.
ID and cellphones were also taken by police
including a sedan.
Police records said Peme was arrested back in 2025 for charges related to drugs but was later acquitted.
The suspects were taken to the Panglao police station for a booking procedure after which they were taken into custody.
The suspects now face charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The pieces of evidence were submitted to the Bohol Forensics Unit based in Camp Dagohoy for examination and custody.
Candijay skeleton discovery sparks police probe
Police are probing the incident surrounding the discovery of a human skeleton in a forested area in Candijay on Valentine’s Day.
The Candijay police received a report from a concerned citizen about a human skeleton that was discovered.
Initial investigation revealed that the human skeleton was discovered by a group of young people as they were exploring the forested area.
The police are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the identity of the human skeleton.
Meanwhile, a fisherman was injured after he wounded himself with his own arrow in Inabanga on Valentine’s Night.
The 33-year-old victim is a resident of barangay San Jose.
The victim was arrow fishing and as he went ashore, he laid his arrow near a rocky area. He slipped and fell into where the arrow was. The instrument punctured his left thigh.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital and then transferred to a hospital in Tagbilaran City.
The victim is now out of danger and is in a stable condition.
DILG clarifies politicians’ use of tarps, names, and images
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director John Joan Mende clarified that local politicians may still use tarpaulins featuring their names and images.
The politicians may use the tarpaulins for holiday greetings as long as no government funds are used in the production of the tarpaulins.
It is also illegal to display the tarpaulins on government property.
Mende made the clarification following questions coming from politicians especially those who often display tarpaulins during special occasions such as fiestas or during Christmas.
The DILG pushed its anti-epal drive into warp speed where the agency ordered the removal of names, images and likeness on government properties and projects.
The phrase “paid by taxpayers” may not be replaced by the name of a politician.
Mende said the DILG is strictly implementing the anti-epal policy in Bohol covering all local government units and offices of the DILG.
The policy covers all local officials from the barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces both elected and appointed as well as DILG offices and attached agencies and offices.
Path to Camugao Falls in Balilihan declared dangerous
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-7 declared as dangerous the path leading to Camugao Falls in Balilihan.
The path is now considered dangerous due to risk of landslides and falling rocks in the area.
The MGB-7 declared the path as a permanent danger zone, reports said.
Based on the agency’s investigation, the path towards the waterfalls is risky and for this reason the agency decided to tag the path to be permanently dangerous.
As this developed, tourists and residents are now forbidden from using the path towards the waterfalls.
The disallowance is meant to avoid possible accidents or mishaps.
Balilihan mayor Trisha Chatto said the ban on the use of the path stays until an appropriate engineering intervention is placed to reduce the danger risk of the area.
At the same time, the restriction ensures public safety.
MGB also recommended the installation of hazard mitigation measures especially at the access route.
Warning signs installation is also suggested to remind residents and travelers of the geo-hazard risks.
Constant monitoring of the area by barangay officials is also suggested as well as inspection of the area for newly sprouted fissures, which may indicate soil movement and movement of the sides of hills, and cracks on the concrete roads and neighboring areas.
Any changes in the land features need to be immediately reported to the local government unit in order to address the situation.
The current access trail needs to be closed immediately for all people.
Balilihan is studying the possibility of establishing an alternative path, sturdier and more permanent.
Information and education campaigns are mulled to educate the residents and tourism operators about the risks and what to do when there are additional issues and soil movement.
The MGB only inspected the newly-identified hazard zones and there is a need for constant visits by risk reduction officials to ensure the safety of residents of the area.
ASEAN Finance Ministers’ meeting in Panglao concludes smoothly
The Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Finance Ministers’ meeting held in Panglao concluded without any major security issue.
There were also several meetings held in Panglao from Feb. 9 to 13, 2026.
Just the same, there were no major incidents that happened. The activities were under the strict security veil cast by the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and the Police Regional Office (PRO-7).
The series of meetings attended by representatives from ASEAN member states included finance ministers, Central Bank deputies, delegates and development partners and conducted meaningful discussions on the economy.
Authorities said there were no incidents that took place from the moment the delegates arrived until the last session.
The security operation was conducted by Site Task Group Central Visayas led by PRO-7 chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan.
Thousands of police officers were deployed in Panglao and other strategic areas.
Under the security coverage were the venues, hotels where the delegates were billeted, entry and exit points, major thoroughfares, coastal areas, and airspace corridors.
The PRO-7 deployed forces that secured land, air and sea with the use of patrol vehicles, maritime units, air support, K-9 teams, intelligence operatives, and specialized response units.
There were help desks and quick response teams deployed in strategic areas in coordination with other agencies.
The operation was made possible with a multi-agency approach that included national government agencies, local government units, emergency responders, and force multipliers to ensure safety and security.
Maranan lauded the task group members for their discipline and dedication and he also thanked the Boholano community and local government for cooperating.